The net proceeds will fully repay WildBrain’s Senior Secured Credit Facility (including all fees), leaving over $40 million cash surplus. These funds, plus annual interest savings and incremental balance sheet capacity, will fuel growth in:

• Wholly owned franchises, including Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies;
• Expanding the Company’s premium digital content network and ad footprint (YouTube, FAST, AVOD); and
• Investing across emerging technologies to drive innovation and efficiencies.

Under the agreement, WildBrain also remains a multi-year partner to Peanuts for key services, including:

• Exclusive licensing agent through WildBrain CPLG for consumer products in all current territories across Europe, the Middle East, China, and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan & ANZ);
• Exclusive production studio for new Peanuts content-including the previously announced feature film-under an expansive partnership with Apple TV, recently renewed through 2030; and
• Distributor of WildBrain-produced Peanuts content and continued management of the Snoopy YouTube channel.

Josh Scherba, President and CEO of WildBrain, said:

Over the past several years, we’ve successfully executed a strategy to drive growth for our own and partner entertainment properties, harnessing our capabilities across franchise management and consumer products licensing, content distribution on our premium digital network, and production at our studio. The strength of this platform has been proven by the growth in revenue we’ve driven for Peanuts, achieving a record high for the brand in fiscal 2025. Selling our stake in Peanuts crystallizes the brand’s value, eliminating our debt and providing capital flexibility to reinvest in high-growth, high-margin opportunities, especially for IP that we own outright, such as Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies and others in our deep portfolio, such as Degrassi, Inspector Gadget and more.

Sony has been an excellent partner on the Peanuts brand for many years, and we’re confident that Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang are in good hands. Since we originally acquired the brand in 2017, we have materially grown its audience through an expansive partnership with Apple TV for new content, including a new feature film currently in production, and also through growing a robust licensing program across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. We’d like to thank Tim Erickson and the Peanuts Worldwide team, as well as the Schulz family, for their incredible collaboration on these endeavors. We look forward to working with them and the Sony team as valued partners to continue driving global growth for Peanuts in the years to come.

Transaction History & Returns

• 2017: WildBrain acquired 80% of Peanuts and 100% of Strawberry Shortcake for $448 million
• 2018: WildBrain sold 39% of Peanuts to Sony for $236 million
• Total sale proceeds and distributions to WildBrain from owning Peanuts: $1 billion+

EBITDA directly attributable to WildBrain’s 41% ownership stake in Peanuts was $27 million in Fiscal 2025. Including certain consolidation benefits, WildBrain’s recognized EBITDA in respect of its 41% ownership stake in Peanuts was $43 million in Fiscal 2025. Interest savings alone are more than double the free cash flow WildBrain earned from its stake in Peanuts over the last 12 months.

Refinement and simplification to focus on high-growth, high-cash generative opportunities

Over the past three years WildBrain has demonstrated the power of its platform to drive meaningful growth across the kids’ digital ecosystem, first with Peanuts, and now more recently with Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies. WildBrain is leaning into this strong foundation of success to double down on its high growth opportunities driven at scale across its platform. The transaction announced today is expected to provide the Company with the capacity under an optimized capital structure to invest approximately $50 to $100 million in growth opportunities to enhance its strategic platform and drive significant shareholder value.

With a clean balance sheet, the Company’s capital allocation priorities center on long-term value creation, including scaling its wholly owned franchises, expanding its premium digital content network and advertising footprint, investing in emerging technologies to drive innovation and efficiencies, and evaluating opportunities for share buybacks and disciplined bolt-on acquisitions.

Scherba continued:

At WildBrain, we are building the family entertainment company of the future, propelled by beloved franchises scaled across our unique, integrated platform. In the past year alone, we’ve delivered nearly 200% growth for Strawberry Shortcake and more than 60% for Teletubbies. Our flywheel strategy drives fandom and brand affinity, turning that into high-margin, repeatable profit. We have built a successful, brand-agnostic platform, and I’m confident we can replicate the success of Peanuts to unlock the value of our deep portfolio of IP. Going forward, as we lean into key opportunities to accelerate growth, we will continue to look for strategic ways to simplify and focus our global business.

WildBrain further simplified its business in recent quarters through the closure of its broadcast television channels in Canada, as previously announced, which has unburdened it from ownership restrictions under Canadian broadcast regulations, providing greater strategic flexibility and opportunities for the Company as it optimizes long-term shareholder value. As a result of this change, the Company has removed its variable voting structure, previously applicable to non-Canadian shareholders, and has simplified its share structure to a single voting class of Common shares for all shareholders, as approved by WildBrain shareholders at its annual and special meeting on December 18, 2025.

The Company has undertaken a number of strategic actions in the past 18 months, with this transaction representing the most material. As the Company continues to evolve its operating model, it intends to pursue several initiatives to create efficiencies, as well as re-segmenting its financial reporting to better reflect the business post-transaction. As a result of these changes, Fiscal 2026 guidance is being paused.

Nick Gawne, WildBrain CFO, said:

This transaction marks a pivotal moment for WildBrain as we look to the future. By deleveraging, we can now redeploy cash flows from debt service into strategic investments that not only accelerate growth in our franchises and premium digital content network but also allow us to invest in technologies to streamline operations and drive margin expansion. We remain highly confident in the growth potential of our core business, and by improving our capital structure, this transaction enables us to better demonstrate the strong cash-generation characteristics embedded in our business model.

Investor webcast

The Company will hold an investor webcast with presentation on December 19, 2025 at 10:00 am ET to discuss the transaction and strategic road forward for WildBrain. Listeners can join the webcast at the following link:

https://www.gowebcasting.com/14568

The webcast will also be archived at the above link, and the slide presentation and transcript will be archived on WildBrain’s website at wildbrain.com

All dollar values expressed in Canadian currency unless otherwise specified.

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Lumo the Lapland Reindeer (Lapland Studios)

Lapland Studios today announce a brand new animation series Lumo the Lapland Reindeer, a 30-episode series focusing on the story of Lumo and his discovery of the magical Lapland World. The series follows four characters, focusing on targeting pre-school children in a heartwarming display of curiosity, exploration and discovery. Designed to show children that every new experience, big or small, is an adventure and part of growing up.

The series production, led by Head Of Lapland Studios; Chris Battle, will air its first episode on Friday 12th December and drop 2 episodes weekly. The launch of Lapland Studios division marks a monumental year for The Lapland Group, with the launch of the Store and Foundation divisions, alongside the sell-out Live event which attracts over 400,000 families at sites in Ascot and Manchester, each festive season.

Lapland Studios represents a major step forward in our mission to bring the world of Lapland to more families globally. By expanding beyond the live experience, we are able to scale our storytelling to more children, in ways that were never possible before. Lumo The Lapland Reindeer is the first animation by Studios, and we are thrilled to begin this next chapter of growth.

-Chris Battle (Head of Lapland Studios)

Lumo The Lapland Reindeer, a direct to digital series which which will air via YouTube Kids, has been developed alongside TeamFalco, using audience affinity to form the concept for this platform. The creative was developed in-house at Lapland Studios under the direction of Chris Battle, Creative Production by Melissa Czaja, previously of WildBrain and James Baker, Chair of Lapland Studios, and previously President of Red Arrow Studios. The animation is by Kulfi Collective.

Our purpose has always been to nurture and celebrate belief in Father Christmas to make Christmas wondrous for families. There can be no belief without story, so expanding the Lapland Universe via Lapland Studios feels like a natural evolution. Lumo the Lapland Reindeer if the first of many stories that will help us share the magic with children everywhere.

-Mike & Alison Battle (Founders, The Lapland Group)

It’s exciting to work with a team that actually engages with the nuances. YouTube is crowded, so helping the Lapland creative team cut through the saturation for Lumo with our audience affinity insights and discovery-driven creative was exactly the kind of focused, YouTube-first work we like to do.

-Nico Lockhart (Managing Director, TeamFalco)

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By Bunny (Sphere Media)

By Bunny (52 x 6 mins), aimed at 4 to 7-years-olds, rolled into production this month led by Sphere Animation in collaboration with Irish film and TV studio Telegael who will be leading the voice record and post-production and two Indian animation specialists Mesmor Studios and Anaganaga Pictures in charge of storyboard and animation. Pre-production and scriptwriting started in September in Canada, with full delivery expected at the end of 2027. The international launch of By Bunny will be led by ZDF Studios, which will manage distribution across Europe and position the series within its global portfolio of premium kids and family brands. Bejuba! Entertainment will represent the series in the rest of the world except Canada, India and Ireland.

Created by Canadian children’s book author Judith Henderson and Head Writer Anne-Marie Perrotta, By Bunny is a joyful mix of literacy, humour and zoology. Using animal facts as the springboard into storytelling, the series is hosted by red sweater-wearing, floppy-eared Bunny, who uses his wild imagination to discover new exciting worlds that he explores and enjoys. Bunny’s superpower is taking a scientific fact and morphing it into a full-blown story that engages and entertains while inspiring kids to read and write.

By Bunny is a smart and playful blend of literacy and animal facts that spark kids’ imagination and curiosity. We’re delighted to partner with Sphere Media once again on this imaginative and engaging series, and proud to support a project that originated in Canada and celebrates Canadian creativity. In today’s global market, developing homegrown IP is no small feat — and By Bunny does it with heart, humour, and curiosity.

-Kirsten Hurd (Commissioning Editor, TVOkids)

Judith Beauchemin, executive vice-president, operations, who oversees Sphere Media’s Kids and Family division, said:

Kids’ shows shape the minds that will one day shape our world — and By Bunny takes this responsibility very seriously. But what he doesn’t do is take himself too seriously: he puts the fun into facts. By Bunny aims to inspire curiosity and wonder, along with a desire for learning and we’re sure Canada’s kids will agree when the show premieres on TVOkids.

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Clawlolo (Epic Story Media Inc./Rymanco Ventures)

Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired season one of Clawlolo from ESM for its kids networks and platforms across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, following the success of the series on the Cartoonito App (Italy) and YouTube channels.

Created, directed and animated by Alexey Alexeev (Mr. Bean: The Animated Series), Clawlolo follows the underwater capers of Eric the Crab and his aquatic friends. Targeted at kids aged 3-9 years old whilst also being suitable for all ages, the series is designed as a daily vitamin for kids’ brains to boost and recharge their emotional strength. The Children’s Hospital HUG in Geneva is also screening the series as a dose of joy and laughter for its patients.

Our entire team is excited that Clawlolo is embarking on a new chapter with its second season. I’m confident it reflects Warner Bros. Discovery’s distinctive artistic vision. We’re grateful to our partners at Epic Story Media, whose deep experience in delivering high-quality creative projects—and genuine passion—have made this collaboration possible.

-Lucy Tsoy (Producer, Rymanco)

The first season of Clawlolo was selected for a number of international film festivals, including Annecy International Animation Film Festival, London International Film Festival, Sapporo Family & Children program, Brooklyn Film Festival, Montreal Festival Du Nouveau Cinéma, and Sao Paulo International Short Film Festival.

The deal was negotiated by Jessica Labi from Epic Story Media with Aurélie Wack, Acquisitions & Co-productions Senior Manager, Kids & Family EMEA at Warner Bros. Discovery.

Jessica Labi, Head of Distribution and Brand Strategy of Epic Story Media, said:

With its positivity, charm and friendly characters, Clawlolo has made a strong connection with audiences of all ages, and it’s been a joy to watch this unique universe inspire creativity and laughter as its global fanbase grows. We’re thrilled to be extending our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, as we look to expand Clawlolo’s world and bring even more humour and heart to kids and families around the world.

Aurélie Wack, Acquisitions & Co-productions Senior Manager, Kids & Family EMEA at Warner Bros. Discovery, added:

We’re excited to elevate the digital-first Clawlolo IP on our platforms and networks across EMEA. It’s fun, catchy, character-driven appeal makes it a natural fit for our Cartoonito portfolio and one we know our audience of little kids will love. This partnership with ESM reflects our commitment to delivering quirky, vibrant, and innovative content that resonates with kids and families everywhere.

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The move strengthens LADO’s presence in a key global market. Today, more than 70% of the studio’s revenue comes from outside Brazil, supported by work for Google, Vivo, BMW, Amazon, Pfizer, Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and others. LADO also co-produced In Transit, created by Area 23, which won the Grand Prix at the Clio Awards.

This step is a natural progression for us. Project volume and opportunities in the U.S. have grown significantly. It became clear we needed someone fully focused on building relationships in this market. Victoria already knew the studio well from our rebranding process years ago and shares our business perspective.

-Luciana Pessoa (Partner and Executive Director, LADO)

Victoria Dal Bello

Dal Bello’s background includes roles at Itaú, Kantar, Zup Innovation, OutSystems and Pandora. Before moving to New York, she lived in Madrid and was active in events and networking across the advertising and technology ecosystem.

My career has not been exclusively in animation, but always centered on understanding people, brands and experiences. When I worked with LADO on its rebranding, the synergy was already there. Being in New York now and reconnecting with the team makes perfect sense.

-Victoria Dal Bello

According to Pessoa, the New York presence will support in-person meetings, new business development and closer collaboration with local partners. She adds that recent shifts in the industry reinforce the timing:

Animation has always been relevant, but artificial intelligence is redefining what’s possible. Our approach brings together craft, technology and flexibility. Combined with our experience in global co-productions, this has been key in working with agencies and brands in multiple countries.

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Nollaí (TG4/BBC Northern Ireland/S4C)

TG4, BBC Northern Ireland and S4C are proud to announce Nollaí, their milestone first co-commissioned animated Christmas movie, created through a vibrant tri-nation co-production supported by Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund (ILBF), Screen Fund and Coimisiún na Meán.

This landmark festive special will premiere on 14 December, broadcasting in Irish on TG4 and Cúla4, on BBC Two Northern Ireland and on BBC iPlayer, and in Welsh on S4C.

Produced by Taunt Studios, the film invites viewers into a magical, heart-warming adventure led by Nollaig – or Nollaí as he’s lovingly known, an ordinary deer with an extraordinary secret.

About the Animation

Nollaig (or Nollaí for short) is just a regular, run-of-the-mill deer. A little tall for a deer, right enough, but he’s always been told he’s big boned. He’s been living the life since he was on the farm with his human family; best friend and sister, Sadhbh, and Daid. We first meet Nollaí on his birthday – or rather, the day that the family celebrates finding him. He came into Daid and Sadhbh’s lives one wintry night ten years ago, when they found him in the stone circle on the mountain. With none of his kin in sight, they take him in and he becomes part of the family. Years pass; Nollaí contends with his giant size in a human world but otherwise loves the community he lives in. Then, one day, everything is flipped on its head as he accidentally stumbles across a surprise that reveals he is quite possibly the last living Megaloceros giganteus (aka the extinct giant deer) in existence!

This discovery triggers adventure, with Nollaí and Sadhbh embarking on a quest back to the stone cairn in search of his origins. Along the way they bump into Stoca, a slightly chaotic Christmas-loving bat who is more than happy to join them on their journey. Together they arrive at the stone circle and discover a portal to another world – the realm of the giant deer! Nollaí passes through and meets a friendly giant deer who welcomes him home. But before he can find out more, the portal starts to close. Nollaí can stay in the land of the giant deer – the place he has been longing to find – but that means waiting a year before he can see his human family again. Sadhbh and Stoca, who are waiting on the other side, lose hope for his return but at the last minute Nollaí tears through the portal and reunites with them. He might not be able to explore the new found realm today, but he knows he can come back, when he’s ready.

Nollaí (TG4/BBC Northern Ireland/S4C)

Máire Uí Choisdealbha, Commissioning Editor, TG4:

We are absolutely delighted to commission TG4’s first-ever animated Christmas special, a truly exciting international co-production with our wonderful partners. This collaboration brings together an extraordinary blend of creative talent and cultural storytelling from Ireland and Wales, resulting in a festive film we believe will enchant families for years to come. It’s a milestone for TG4 and a celebration of the shared cultural imagination that unites our broadcasters. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the magic.

Karen Kirby, Commissioning Executive for BBC Northern Ireland:

This is the first collaboration of its kind for BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Gaeilge and we’re delighted to join with our broadcast and funding partners to bring this beautifully animated Christmas story to our audiences on BBC iPlayer and on BBC NI television. Nollaí is a delightful tale of love and belonging, a universal story which can be told in multiple languages and is brilliantly brought to life through the incredible acting talents of the cast, the animation team and musicians. I hope it will be a film that all generations can enjoy together over the Christmas period.

Sioned Geraint, S4C’s Content Commissioner – Children and Learners:

I’m delighted that S4C has been a part of Nollaí or Nolig in Welsh. This is a beautiful and endearing animated film which will resonate with so many of our viewers and be a highlight of our festive schedule for Children and families for years to come. It’s been great working with our Celtic friends again and build on the ever growing relationship between TG4 and S4C, and being able to launch this film in Irish and Welsh on the same day on both channels is perfect.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán:

We are delighted to support the production of Nollaí through our Sound & Vision Funding Scheme which is all about supporting the creation of new, innovative Irish language content that will be enjoyed by audiences young and old.

Áine Walsh, Chief Language & Cultural Officer and Head of Irish Language Broadcast Fund at Northern Ireland Screen:

In our twentieth anniversary year, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund is proud to support Nollaí, the first ever Irish language animated Christmas special made in the North. It showcases the ambition and talent of our local creative teams, who brought skill and collaboration to every stage of the project. This festive story, steeped in Irish folklore, will delight young audiences and offer the whole family a shared Christmas experience in Irish. We’re thrilled it will be seen on BBC NI, TG4, Cúla4 and S4C, highlighting the strength of high-quality content being created locally for families across Ireland and beyond.

Tom Getty, Taunt Studios / Aisling McElroy, Taunt Studios:

All of us at TAUNT have had such a wonderful time creating our little film Nollaí. As a bunch of Christmas lovers, it was a dream come true to be able to spend the last year bringing this to life. None of this would have been possible without the support of BBC NI, TG4 and S4C, as well as our funders ILBF, Northern Ireland Screen and Coimisiún na Meán. We hope you all like it as much as we do.

Nollaí (TG4/BBC Northern Ireland/S4C)

Tom Getty, Director – Nollaí, Taunt Studios:

Nollaí first came into existence when our producer and writer at the time Grace Loughrey came to us with an idea for a Christmas short, about a young Irish Elk going on a journey of self-discovery. As huge fans of all things Christmas, we immediately loved it and worked together to brainstorm where we could go with the project. Fast forward a few weeks and we had a first draft of the script written by Grace and the ball really started rolling.

Taunt Studios were inspired by classic Christmas films, such as The Snowman, and wanted to bring some of that feel into a modern-day film. They created the animation using various different 3D softwares, and used ‘Unreal Engine 5’ to render the film. The decision to use Unreal, a real-time rendering game engine, allowed them to be at the forefront of the technological advancements in animation, and gain the benefits of that approach, allowing us to render the film much quicker and work more collaboratively on the production.

Taunt Studios worked with Dublin-based Little Moon Animation, who covered a wide range of pre-production tasks, notably the storyboarding, the majority of the character design, and additional world-building elements such as designing and building several of the 3D environments.

Voice Cast & Creative Team

Nollaí / Nolig:  

Jude Hartigan voiced the character Nollaí in both Irish and English, taking on the leading role with charm. An aspiring young actor, this project marks his first major screen credit, building on earlier experiences such as Paper Owl Films Sol animation. His work in Nollaí highlights his emerging talent and strong potential as a performer.

Osian Snelson voiced Nolig in Welsh, taking the lead role with warmth and charm. Nolig is Osian’s first voice acting role and he took to it like a duck to water.

Sadhbh / Siân 

Blaithín McCusker voiced the character Sadhbh in both Irish and English, the second lead role, bringing heaps of personality and depth to the character. She is best known for her role as Nóinín in Dar le Daideo, a TG4 Cúla 4 television series created by Zoogon, which is currently airing.

Marged Llwyd voiced Siân in Welsh, bringing her inquisitive, playful voice to the second lead role. Marged is best known for voicing Eli the hare in Y Ŵhŵs, which is currently airing on S4C and for the television series Fferm Fach.

Stoca / Siriol 

Comedian Mary Flanigan voiced the character Stoca in both Irish and English, bringing her trademark wit and vibrant comedic style to the role. Her screen and radio credits include BBC NI’s Soft Border Patrol (Series 3), writing and co-starring in Radio 4’s The Rest of Us, and most recently performing in Parish Matters.

Clare Hingott voiced Siriol in Welsh, bringing wit and fun to this wonderful character. Clare is an actress and Jazz singer who is known for her role as the dry-witted nurse Cheryl on Sky 1’s Stella, Clare recently voiced the Tiny Buds characters in Bumpy Box’s’ Tiny Buds/Egin Bach for ITVX and S4C.

Daid

Conor Mac Neill voices the character Daid in both Irish and English, infusing this loving character with warmth and heart. A highly respected Northern Irish actor, he is known for major credits including Industry (BBC/HBO), The Sixth Commandment, The Tourist, Derry Girls, Oscar winning Belfast, and Outlander: Blood of My Blood.

Dion Davies voiced Dad in Welsh, infusing this loving character with warmth and heart. A stage and TV actor, Dion has appeared in a plethora of TV series, including S4C’s Pobol y Cwm. He’s known for children’s series Y Doniolis and Jen a Jim and has lent his voice to numerous animated series. He’s currently playing the Dame in Panto in Hereford.

Oisín / Osian  

Dannan Flynn voices the supporting character Oisín in Irish and English, bringing the role to life with tons of energy and playfulness. He is currently appearing in Dar le Daideo on Cúla 4. Other recent work includes the RTE animated short Pals, and the upcoming Cois Cladaigh on Cúla 4, which is set to air in 2026.

Albi Morgan voiced Osian in Welsh, bringing the role to life with tons of energy and playfulness. The youngest cast member at 8 years old, this is Albi’s first voicing project.

Giant Deer / Cawr-Garw –  

Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh voices the Giant Deer in English & Irish, a wise and guiding character that Niall brought calmness and ease to. A veteran of Irish language television, he is best known for his long-running role as John Joe Daly in Ros na Rún on TG4.

Dafydd Emyr voiced Cawr-Garw in Welsh, a wise and guiding character that Dafydd brought calmness and ease to. An author and performer, his credits vary from films such as Y Sŵn about the fight to establish S4C, to TV series such as BBC 1’s Casualty. He recently toured with the play Huw Fyw and is currently starring as the Dame, Bev Bifan in the Welsh language panto, Clustiau March.

Broadcast Information

TG4 & Cúla4 (Irish Language): on both channels – 14 December @ 17.05
BBC Two Northern Ireland and BBC NI iPlayer (Irish Language): Available from 14 December @ 18.40
S4C (Welsh Language): 14 December @ 17.05

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Stan & Gran (Banijay Kids & Family)

Banijay Kids & Family, a global leader in children’s entertainment, behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, today announces a new partnership for Stan & Gran. Co-produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (part of Banijay Kids & Family), Jollywise, and Xentrix Studios, the brand is set to collaborate with the RSPB for a year-long initiative which aims to inspire young children to explore and protect the natural world.

Stan & Gran launched on 5’s Milkshake! on 10th November 2025 and will air on Nick Jr. UK from 2026. It follows the mystery-busting adventures of Stan Breakwater, a curious and excitable young nature lover, and his fun-loving, dynamic Gran, as they investigate the strange goings-on in the fictional British coastal village of Porthole. Blending humour and intrigue with factual entertainment, Stan & Gran highlights themes of discovery, exploration and nature.

Both the RSPB and Stan & Gran’s propositions foster curiosity, environmental awareness, and scientific thinking in children. Wild Times, the RSPB’s nature magazine, aimed at RSPB members under eight, is jam-packed with fascinating wildlife facts and fun nature-related activities, puzzles and crafts. Beginning in December 2025, it will feature a colouring-in activity and introduce the show and its characters. From the March/April 2026 edition, a Stan & Gran comic will feature in the next six editions of the magazine. The partnership will be presented in the RSPB Notes on Nature newsletter and supported through the RSPB website to ensure strong visibility.

Banijay Kids & Family

Jon Mason, Creator and Executive Producer of Stan & Gran says:

I have been a member of the RSPB since I was a young boy, so when I started to develop the show, I met with them very early on. Nature is at the very heart of Stan & Gran, with every episode designed to spark curiosity and wonder in the natural world – these principles are foundational to what the RSPB believes in, so it’s a perfect match. Both Stan & Gran and the RSPB want to inspire the next generation of nature lovers, through fun and adventure. Partnering with the RSPB feels like a full circle moment for me!

The RSPB adds:

Our partnership with Stan & Gran is a perfect match for Wild Times readers – RSPB members under eight. It’s vital that we pass our love, curiosity and knowledge of nature on to the younger generations. Stan & Gran carries this message at its heart.

Banijay Kids & Family’s collective of first-class producers and talent is behind some of the biggest kids brands in the world. As brand builders and experts at amplifying IP, it delivers creative and impactful 360 brand strategies for its shows.

Led by Benoît Di Sabatino, Banijay Kids & Family is part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment.

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Line Mileage has built a reputation for translating genre worlds, from video games and comics to original IP, into distinctive, character-driven animation. Collectively, the team has produced fifteen seasons of adult animated series. Announced current projects include Hell Followed With Us, an animated feature adaptation of the bestselling young adult novel, in development with Lilly Wachowski (The Matrix Trilogy). The team is also producing an anime feature adaptation of Death Stranding, the action-adventure game developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The feature, written by Aaron Guzikowski, is preparing to go to market, with casting discussions underway.

Lyrical Animation will focus on bold, creator-first storytelling across film and television, tapping into the global demand for adult animation, with an emphasis on the opportunity in adult animated features.

Every move we make at Lyrical is toward a larger vision: empowering creators to bring bold stories and worlds to life, across every format. The Line Mileage team are among the most accomplished and forward-thinking voices in animation – their creative vision, deep production expertise, and ability to build global fandoms make them the perfect partners as we continue expanding what Lyrical Media can be. By uniting film, games, and animation under one roof, we’re creating the foundation for stories that transcend mediums and resonate with audiences everywhere.

-Alexander Black, Founder and CEO of Lyrical Media

We built Line Mileage because we are passionate about genre-forward animation and saw a substantial, underserved audience that craved these stories. The global appetite for sophisticated, adult animation has never been stronger. With Lyrical’s backing, we’re positioned to continue to seize that moment – combining our production expertise and fandom-focused storytelling with a company that deeply values creator ownership and long-term world-building.

-Jacob Robinson, Head of Lyrical Animation

I have wanted to make animation ever since, as a teenager, a friend showed me the original Ghost In the Shell feature film and my mind exploded with possibility. While Japan has long understood that there are no boundaries in animation, our industry is only beginning to grasp the range of stories it can tell. Alex, Jon and everyone at Lyrical are in the boundary-breaking business, and I’m both excited and deeply grateful to collaborate with people who play in the same sandboxes we love to play in and imagine bigger.

-Daniel Dominguez, Creative Director of Lyrical Animation

Robinson brings nearly two decades of experience in storytelling and franchise development. Before co-founding and serving as CEO of Line Mileage, he had a producing deal at Legendary Television, where he co-show ran Skull Island (Netflix) and executive produced Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Netflix). He previously served as an executive in original programming at TBS, overseeing shows such as Search Party, The Last OG, and Miracle Workers. He also co-founded Particular Pictures with John Hamburg under a deal at 20th Television. Earlier, he worked as an executive at De Line Pictures, overseeing development of such films including Ready Player One and Pain & Gain, as well as the television series Wayward Pines.

Dominguez was head writer on HBO Max’s GEN:LOCK, developed and wrote Netflix’s Seis Manos and Centaurworld, and has written for iconic shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and Captain Underpants. Dominguez has sold over twenty original series and features to Amazon, Netflix, HBO Max, Warner Bros., Disney, and Sony, and is currently developing a DreamWorks theatrical feature and a one-hour genre series with Captain America writer Malcolm Spellman.

Graeber is the founder and longtime CEO of Powerhouse Animation Studios, the team behind acclaimed hits like Castlevania, Blood of Zeus, and Masters of the Universe. Over his 25-year career, Graeber has directed, produced, and showrun projects across film, television, and video games, helping define the modern era of adult animation.

The expansion follows the recent debut of Lyrical Games, a privately funded game publisher with a commitment to empowering creators of high-quality indie games. The division has already established partnerships with top-tier studios, including Blackbird Interactive, the team behind Hardspace: Shipbreaker, and currently has three projects underway.

Lyrical Media is currently in post-production on Adam Wingard’s Onslaught and Michael Sarnoski’s The Death of Robin Hood starring Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, and Bill Skarsgård, both of which will be distributed by A24. They are also developing a slate of projects, including Funny Story, an adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling romantic comedy, Butcher & Blackbird, based on Brynne Weaver’s popular novel, She Started It, the film adaptation of Sian Gilbert’s debut thriller, and Powerless, a television adaption of Lauren Roberts’ best-selling debut YA novel. Lyrical has further expanded its slate through a collaboration with NEON, co-financing Osgood Perkins The Young People, starring Lola Tung and Nico Parker.

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L-R: Blue Zoo Co-founders Adam Shaw, Tom Box and Oli Hyatt MBE

As part of its year-round Young BAFTA programme – which focuses on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of creatives in film, games and TV through its initiatives, events and resources – BAFTA is proud to honour a studio that continuously elevates the craft of content creation for young audiences. The award will be presented to Blue Zoo’s co- founders Adam Shaw, Oli Hyatt MBE, and Tom Box, as part of a special presentation and celebratory lunch at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly on Monday 8 December 2025.

The charity’s Board of Trustees gifts a select number of Special Awards annually to individuals and teams that have made a significant cultural and social impact, as part of BAFTA’s mission to showcase excellence in films, games, and television as the UK’s leading academy and charity for the screen arts.

Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, said:

Blue Zoo’s work exemplifies the very best of the screen arts – innovation with impact, and entertainment with purpose. For an incredible 25 years, Blue Zoo has created worlds that educate and empower, reflecting the diversity of modern childhood and proving that animation can be a powerful tool for learning, laughter and lasting change. We are delighted to honour a studio that champions inclusivity and imagination at every level of production.

Oli Hyatt MBE, co-founder and managing director of Blue Zoo, said:

Receiving a BAFTA Special Award is a profound honour. From the start, we’ve believed animation can do more than raise a smile: it can teach, empower, and build lovable worlds that matter to children and families everywhere. It’s a huge pat on the back for Blue Zoo, our fantastic staff, our clients, and, by extension, to the wider animation community. This award is as much for them as it is for us. 25 years ago, we were just three lads sitting under the stairs of the student union bar, discussing setting up an animation company. We could have only dreamed of moments like this. We hope the Award isn’t just a nod to our past, but it’s a cheer for what we do next at Blue Zoo. We’ll keep giving back, and we’ll keep speaking up for children and for our sector, but most of all, we will keep making high-quality content that inspires and entertains. Thank You BAFTA.

Blue Zoo was founded in 2000 by university classmates, Adam, Oli and Tom, and has since become the UK’s largest and one of the most respected producers of children’s and family content. For 25 years, the BAFTA-winning studio has combined creativity with purpose, using art and storytelling as a powerful tool to create immersive worlds that inform and ignite curiosity.

Featured across BBC, Netflix, StudioCanal and their own YouTube channel, Blue Zoo has brought to life numerous series including Daytime Emmy-winning The Adventures of Paddington, LEGO City: No Limits, Mojo Swoptops and their debut project, which coincided with the launch of CBeebies back in 2000, “Blue Cow” for The Story Makers. The studio is the force behind several acclaimed educational series such as Numberblocks and Alphablocks (in collaboration with Alphablocks Ltd.), which teach foundational numeracy and literacy skills to pre-schoolers. These programmes have become staples in early childhood education, widely praised for their innovation and accessibility.

Blue Zoo was the first TV and film animation studio to be B Corp certified, achieving the certification in September 2021. The B Corp certification verifies that the company meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. As part of their commitment to positive change in the world, the studio has also worked pro bono with charities to use the power of animation to highlight key social issues. These include Sinking Feeling – created for PAPYRUS UK, the charity working to prevent youth suicide – and most recently their multi-award-winning, We Campaign Because They Can’t for the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Produced in collaboration with GOOD Agency, this series of short animations used creativity and humour to highlight environmental issues and encourage young audiences to advocate for nature.

Beyond its own productions, Blue Zoo places social responsibility at the heart of everything it does, using its position as a leading studio to champion the wider UK animation and children’s content sector through hands-on advocacy. This vital work includes Oli Hyatt MBE’s long-standing leadership in securing and defending creative-sector tax credits and co-founding Animation UK, as well as Tom Box’s focused work on developing industry skills and training. Blue Zoo is at the forefront of lobbying for children and the industry, helping lead the national debate on funding, skills, and growth. As a key voice supporting progressive industry initiatives such as The Young Animator of the Year UK Competition,

NextGen Skills Academy, Animation UK, and the Children’s Media Foundation, Blue Zoo is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the future of animation and children’s programming for a healthier ecosystem across the country.

BAFTA is committed to supporting children’s programming and inspiring the next generation of talent. In 2025, the Academy introduced three new children’s categories to its annual BAFTA Television and BAFTA TV Craft Awards, and a new children’s and family category for the BAFTA Film Awards.

The Young BAFTA Showcase is set to return to BAFTA 195 Piccadilly on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November 2025, spotlighting BAFTA’s year-round initiatives, including BAFTA Young Game Designers – now open for entries – BAFTA Young Presenters, and the Young BAFTA Roadshows with Place2Be.

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Tistou (Pink Parrot Media)

First pitched at Annecy International Film Festival, at which it won a Mifa Pitch Award, Tistou is currently in development and set to be delivered in 2028. The feature is targeted at family audiences and kids aged 6-12 years old.

Tistou les Pouces Verts has been translated into more than 27 languages and published in over 30 countries. The new feature adaptation is written and directed by Amandine Taffin, with William Picot producing for Finalement, and Eric Goossens and Anton Roeben for Walking The Dog. Pink Parrot Media’s Tania Pinto Da Cunha and Marie Claude Beauchamp are Executive Producers on the project.

Tistou is destined for a bright future. His father runs an arms factory that has been the pride and joy of the entire town for generations, and no one doubts that Tistou will take over the business when he grows up. The only problem is that Tistou is slow to mature. He has far too much imagination, an alarming naiveté. When his parents finally send him to school, it’s an immediate disaster. But with the help of the old gardener Moustache, Tistou finally discovers an astonishing gift: he has green thumbs.

Wherever he places his thumbs, flowers and plants begin to grow, obeying what his imagination dictates. Overnight, the city prison is obliterated by nature, causing beauty but also complete chaos and backlash from a brigade of “botanists” with particularly heavy-handed methods, who have sworn to solve the problem. But while the plants are generating increasingly widespread enthusiasm, dark events are beginning to overshadow the news. And Tistou discovers, to his horror, that his father’s factory is somehow involved. Convinced that his power can save the day, he naturally decides to intervene. What he doesn’t realize is that he’ll now have to contend with more than just the police brigade.

Tania Pinto Da Cunha, Partner / Vice-President and Head of International Sales & Acquisitions at Pink Parrot Media, said:

Tistou is a deeply loved story that has taught generations of children the importance of the environment and using your talents for good – themes that transcend borders and are today more relevant than ever. It’s a joy to collaborate with such wonderfully skilled partners as Finalement and Walking The Dog, who – together with a top-class creative team – are bringing this story to life in a beautiful and humorous way. Tistou makes the perfect addition to our slate, and we look forward to presenting our vibrant line-up at AFM that will offer something for the whole family to love.

William Picot, Producer at Finalement, added:

Tistou is a film I’ve dreamed of producing for many years. It’s about hope, imagination, and the way children can see our world differently. But Tistou, unlike us, also has the power to change it. I’m delighted to see this film now traveling the world with Pink Parrot Media.

Eric Goossens, Producer at Walking The Dog, said

Adapting Tistou the Green Thumb is about replanting a seed of hope in the hearts of audiences. This tale tells of a child who still believes we can change the world – and we want every image, every musical note, to convey that conviction. In a world often shrouded in grey, animation has this unique power, like Tistou, to bring colour back into bloom. It’s a critical and poetic story often read in schools, but it also resonates with adults, much like Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince: behind the emotion and adventure that entertain lies a profound reflection on the world. And we are convinced that Pink Parrot Media can help us deliver this message with passion and professionalism to buyers of premium animated films worldwide.

PPM’s slate for AFM also includes Lotte & Totte, a Danish 3D CG animated feature based on the bestselling Scandinavian book series by Gunilla Wolde; and MoMonsters: The Movie, the first film featuring the beloved characters and gentle lessons from the Spanish Momonsters series. Additionally, PPM will present 3D CG animated films Unstable and The Bottanix, currently in production and set to be delivered in 2027.

At AFM, PPM will be at the Fairmont Century Plaza, Room #546.

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Welcome back to Hawkins in the stark winter of 1985, where the original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town in Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, an epic new animated series.

Spun-off from the long-established Netflix hit series Stranger Things, the new series takes place between the original show’s second and third season. Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is animated by Flying Bark Productions and exec produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, along with Hilary Leavitt (Upside Down Pictures), Shawn Levy (21 Laps), Dan Cohen and Eric Robles. Robles will also serve as Showrunner.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. (L to R) Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Luca Diaz as Mike, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Elisha Williams as Lucas and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max in Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2025

The animated series will present a captivating new mystery, deeply rooted in the Stranger Things universe. It will propel beloved characters into an adventure that will stretch the limits of action, suspense, and horror, perfectly suited for animation.

– Eric Robles (Executive Producer and Showrunner, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85)

Also announced today is the primary voice cast, featuring Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Ej (Elisha) Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Ben Plessala as Will, and Brett Gipson as Hopper. Odessa A’zion, Janeane Garofalo and Lou Diamond Phillips will also join the cast.

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Blinkink directors Andy Biddle and Adeena Grubb hop into action for Xfinity’s newest WiFi campaign, crafting a dazzling stop-motion world where a furry rabbit family discovers the joy of staying connected. Set in a lovingly handcrafted household, the film combines nostalgic storybook warmth with the lively energy of modern family life. Every frame is bursting with texture and personality, a stop-motion celebration of cosy chaos and tactile detail.

Behind the scenes, Andy & Adeena teamed up with the acclaimed model makers at Sculpt-Double – the same creative force behind Fantastic Mr. Fox, Frankenweenie and Isle of Dogs. Each puppet was meticulously handmade, re-dressed and cleverly reused to bring a bustling bunny family to life in a sustainable, cost-effective way, while maintaining the film’s handcrafted magic.

Blinkink

Drawing inspiration from Wind in the Willows and the textured charm of Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, Andy and Adeena set out to capture the heart of family connection through the eyes of a rabbit dad trying to keep pace with his streaming, gaming and learning brood.

The result is a warm, whimsical world that blends the artistry of stop-motion with the everyday tech of modern living. From hand-stitched fur to blinking WiFi gadgets, every detail tells a story that feels both beautifully nostalgic and relatably modern.

Blinkink

I had a lot of fun and creative freedom on this one. It was incredible seeing the rabbit home pieced together for the final shot, it was an almost 12 foot tall beast! I’m very proud of what we’ve created with a bunch of extremely talented humans. The amount of detail that went into this one is kind of mind blowing, it’s the kind of thing you need to watch several times over to spot all of the fun little details we embedded the whole film with.

-Adeena Grubb

As soon as we read the script and brief for this ad, we knew it was something special. With this film in particular, we wanted to really lean into that tactile, handcrafted quality – the kind that gives films like Fantastic Mr Fox (which I had the pleasure of animating on) its unique charm everyone loves.
It was an ambitious task though which really needed more time! However we had an amazing team who really did achieve the impossible. From a technical standpoint, the approach was actually refreshingly pure. Everything was done in-camera with minimal post-production. If you see seven rabbits in a shot, that’s because we truly did animate all seven, together in shot.

-Andy Biddle

Blinkink

Andy Biddle is a stop-motion animator whose credits include projects with Wes Anderson, Tim Burton, Laika and Aardman. Adeena Grubb is a multi-award-winning puppet maker and animation director. Together, they bring unmatched craft and wit to every frame, creating films that are charming, inventive and unmistakably Blinkink.

See more of Andy & Adeena’s work at blinkink.co.uk

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Aardman/Barbour

Following two successful years of festive collaborations with Shaun the Sheep, Barbour is once again partnering with Aardman for its eagerly anticipated 2025 Christmas advert, this time starring the much loved duo Wallace & Gromit.

Accompanying this year’s advert, Barbour has created a limited-edition run of Re-loved Wallace & Gromit inspired wax jackets, with all proceeds going to Oxfam.

Both heart-warming and humorous in nature, the advert introduces viewers to Wallace’s latest contraption: the Gift-o-matic. Wrapped in Barbour’s festive Winterberry tartan, exclusive and limited for this season, the Gift-o-matic is a tartan-wrapped robot designed to make festive gift giving effortless, the machine can gift, wrap, unwrap and even pull a celebratory cracker.

Wallace and Gromit have always embodied warmth, eccentricity, and quintessential British charm, which makes them a wonderful fit for Barbour’s Christmas storytelling. The Gift-o-matic is a classic Wallace invention – brilliant but with a few hiccups – and we’re delighted to share this playful, festive tale with audiences this year, in hope that the love, craft, warmth and humour bring big smiles this Christmas.

-Nick Park, creator of Wallace & Gromit

We are excited to be continuing our partnership with Aardman for another year; a brand, like Barbour, that is renowned for its heritage, nostalgia, craftmanship and meticulous detail. This year’s film brings a light-hearted charm to Barbour’s Original and Authentic Tartans including the Classic Tartan Scarf and the exclusive, reimagined Winterberry Tartan wrapping Wallace’s ingenious Gift-o-matic. Whilst rooted in our British heritage, the story’s themes of generosity and togetherness resonate far beyond the UK, reflecting the universal spirit of the season.

-Paul Wilkinson, Barbour Group Deputy Managing Director

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Created by Cardiff-based animation studio Bumpybox, the series – titled Egin Bach (Tiny Buds in English) – has been supported by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales and with investment from S4C’s Commerical Content Fund.

Egin Bach (Bumpybox)

Comprising 26 five-minute episodes, Egin Bach follows the big adventures of six tiny, budding explorers as they navigate the vast wilderness of a small back garden.

Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the natural world – from flowers and seeds to insects, garden creatures, and the elements like rain and sunshine – inspiring children to appreciate the beauty and importance of nature close to home.

The series’ success is expected to strengthen the company’s long-term sustainability and global reach with plans in place for international distribution.

Sioned Geraint, S4C’s Content Commissioner for Children and Learners says of this exciting animation:

At S4C, we’re passionate about inspiring curiosity and creativity in our youngest viewers, and Egin Bach does exactly that. The series celebrates the magic of the natural world through a child’s eyes, and we’re proud to support a homegrown production that combines beautiful animation with educational storytelling.

It’s a wonderful example of how Welsh-language content can spark imagination and connection, both locally and globally.

Sam Wright, producer and director at Bumpybox, says:

We’re absolutely thrilled to see Egin Bach premiere on S4C, and we hope it will inspire a new generation of Welsh children to explore the outdoors.

We’re incredibly grateful to Sioned and the team at S4C for their support in bringing the series to life. As a Wales-based company, collaborating with S4C has long been one of our ambitions. While we’ve created Welsh-language content before, S4C truly represents the heart of Welsh storytelling.

We’d also like to thank ITV, who will broadcast Tiny Buds the English-language version following its S4C premiere, as well as the teams at Creative Wales and S4C International for their invaluable support in making the project a reality.

Egin Bach is a particularly meaningful project for us, as it’s an evolution of the idea that first brought our team together nearly 15 years ago.

Claire Urquhart, Head of S4C’s Commercial Content Fund, said:

It’s great to help Egin Bach get off the ground. This investment will allow Bumpybox to export this hopeful, homegrown animation to channels and children around the world.

Joedi Langley, interim Head of Creative Wales, says:

Bumpybox has created some amazing work in recent years, from working on an award-winning feature film Kensuke’s Kingdom to developing 3D pet Triceratops for My Petsaurus for CBeebies and much more.

I am thrilled that, with funding support from Creative Wales, the team has been able to develop the concept then access resources needed to create this wonderful animated series for children that’s developed in both Welsh and English, and I wish them every success in the next exciting chapter of their journey.

Egin Bach premieres on S4C on 21 October and will be available to stream on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

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The day begins with a welcome breakfast hosted by Liquid Violet, offering attendees a chance to connect before diving into a full programme of panels and discussions. The opening address will set the stage with a look at regional animation activity and its growing influence on national and international markets.

Animation Nation Forum

Throughout the day, sessions will tackle the most pressing issues facing the industry.  A panel on co-producing for global audiences, Unlocking International Success, will explore how UK studios are forging international partnerships to reach wider markets with speakers Sarah Muller (Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC) and Marc Du Pontavice (CEO and Founder, Xilam Animation). Another session, In the Frame: The Future Normal, featuring panelists Darran Garnham (Founder, Toikido) James Cameron (Creative Director, Imaginakery) and Rob Doherty (Kids Content Specialist and Exec Producer) examines how shifts in technology and audience behaviour are reshaping production and sustainability.

Independent animated features take centre stage in Features of the Future, sponsored by Locksmith Animation, where filmmaker Andrew Baker (CEO/Founder Cantilever Media, Kazoo Films, Moonshot Films) and Liz Warren (Fund Manager, BFI Filmmaking Funds) discuss how smaller productions are making waves at the box office. The day wraps with State of the Animation Nation, a candid conversation between Andrew Ruhemann (Founder, Passion Pictures) Camilla Deakin (Joint MD, Lupus Films), Julio Bonet (Director of Animated Series, Netflix), Kate O’Connor (Executive Chair, Animation UK) and Oli Hyatt (MD, Blue Zoo) about the challenges and opportunities ahead for UK animation. 

Festival Director Steve Henderson said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome the industry back to The Bridgewater Hall for this year’s Animation Nation Forum as it continues to evolve into a key gathering point for the entire animation sector. At a time of significant change across the global content landscape, the ANF provides a space to connect, collaborate and chart a course for the future aWe highlight the expert voices that are guiding those changes through our informative panels, meeting opportunities and networking. Animation remains the world’s greatest storytelling medium, but it is also a vital driver for economic and cultural growth. This year’s unmissable ANF will showcase what the future has in store for our industry.”

Alongside the summit, MAF will host the festival’s annual industry marketplace at Bridgewater Hall – a free-to-attend event designed to foster networking between studios, recruiters, and animation professionals. Companies attending the marketplace include Animation Associates, Autodesk, BenQ, Blue Zoo, Cloth Cat, HUE, Industrial Light & Magic, Marks & Clerk, Skydance Animation, Toom Boom, University of Salford and Wacom. ANF Connect, the flagship B2B meeting event of the Animation Nation Forum, offers curated 15-minute one-on-one sessions with leading animation professionals – giving attendees the chance to pitch ideas, forge partnerships, and grow their business. The Forum concludes with a drinks reception at Bridgewater Hall sponsored by Animation UK, giving attendees a relaxed space to reflect and network. 

The MAF Marketplace

Outside of ANF, the festival will feature talks, presentations, and showcases from industry experts representing leading international companies, including Aardman, Adult Swim, Cartoon Saloon, DNEG Animation, dock10, Epic Games, Festival Formula, Flow Creative, Golden Wolf, Magic Light Pictures, Moho Animation Software, Netflix, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and YouTube.

Kicking off our award ceremony on Thursday evening the Industry Excellence Awards, will honour outstanding individuals working across scriptwriting, storyboarding, character design, and character animation. 

For Scriptwriting, nominees include Curtis Jobling (Wolf King: The Wyrmwood), Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett Jones (Super Happy Magic Forest: Cower Before Zorgoth!), Emma Hogan (Doodle Girl, Spooks N’ Scribbles), and Davey Moore (Maddie and Triggs: Can I Have My Ball Back Please?). Storyboarding nominees are Vivek Karandikar (Wolf King), Rosie Cash (Nikhil & Jay), Sasha Fusini (Supertato), and Hoching Kwok (Maddie and Triggs).

For Character Animation, the nominees are Eleanor Burke (Lulu is a Rhinoceros), Thomas Young (Krapopolis – Season 3), Laura Tofarides (Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl), and Dave McKenna (Maddie and Triggs).

Finally, Character Design nominees include Maria Vidal Moreno (Wolf King), Saeed Rezvani (Mojo Swoptops), and Johnny Cardoso (Riyadh Season). Netflix’s Wolf King and CBeebies & RTÉjr’s Maddie + Triggs lead the field with three nominations each.

Manchester Animation Festival is presented with the support of Higher Education Partner University of Salford, Festival Partner HOME and Festival Patrons Adult Swim, BBC Children’s & Education, BBC Studios Kids & Family, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Bridge AI, Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic, Innovate UK, Toon Boom and Moho Animation Software.

ANF passes are now available and include access to all sessions and events. For more details and to book your pass, visit the Manchester Animation Festival website www.manchesteranimationfestival.co.uk

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Following a deal earlier this year that saw WildBrain partner with British commercial broadcaster/streamer ITV to bring new kids’ series Badjelly to UK audiences, the series is set to drop this month in the lead-up to the Halloween season.

Based on the beloved book, Badjelly the Witch: A Fairy Story, by renowned comedian Spike Milligan, and starring a stellar voice cast including Miriam Margolyes, Rhys Darby, Ava Diakhaby and rising star Malachi Hall, the series delivers a fresh take on this classic story for today’s kids, all while preserving the crazy humour, bizarre situations and quirky characters from the original tale. Distributed by WildBrain, Badjelly is produced by New Zealand’s Mukpuddy Animation, the UK’s Cantilever Media and Canada’s Sphere Media. To mark the release of the series, Mukpuddy have put together a special series of behind-the-scenes videos detailing how Milligan’s book was adapted to animation.

Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | Casting

Co-writer/directors, Tim Evans and Alex Leighton, talk about casting Miriam Margolyes after seeing an appearance on Graham Norton, how Jo Wilkinson’s casting changed the character of Dulboot into the lovable gentle giant and creating a series favourite and embracing their ongoing relationship with Rhys Darby as he practically cast himself as tree goblin, Binklebonk.

Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | The Music

Co-writer/director Tim Evans talks about wanting Badjelly’s music to be different from other cartoons, capturing the feeling of being swept up in a big adventure, through composer, Guy Michelmore’s amazing custom score. Given the daunting task of emulating the emotional depth of a John Williams score, Guy stepped up and delivered a musical journey that perfectly encapsulated the feeling of the films the team grew up with.

Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | The Themes

Co-writer/directors, Tim Evans and Alex Leighton, discuss Badjelly’s embodiment of the reluctance to change. So hellbent on keeping things as they were, she’s willing to burn the world to keep her power, Badjelly’s desperation builds, leading her to destruction. Tim and Alex talk of lead characters, Rose and Tim’s need to embrace change as their relationship evolves, while Badjelly and her ‘lackey’, Dulboot navigate a toxic situation. Adapting a short 22 minute story into 13 episodes, the team found ways to delve deep into the characters’ relationships.

Badjelly | Behind the Scenes | Iconic Book Moments

Ryan Cooper, head writer and co-director, discusses the importance of honouring the original Spike Milligan story. As New Zealand is filled with rabid fans, who quote the book/audio play, each with their favourite lines or moments. Ryan talks of trying to leave no Milligan stone unturned, finding even the smallest moments of imagination, to bring the story to life.

Badjelly premieres on ITV October 16th.
For more on the work of Mukpuddy, visit mukpuddy.com

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Sunny Bunnies (Media I.M. Incorporated)

Media I.M. has licenced all five seasons of Tatty and Misifu (57 x 5 mins) to Janson Media for Amazon Prime, as well as US AVOD platform HappyKids and Canadian children’s streaming service Kidoodle.TV. The 2D animated series, produced by Barcelona-based Toy Town Kids, chronicles the adventures of a little witch and her faithful kitten companion Misifu. Set in a world of fantasy and magic, the storylines focus on problem solving, emotional learning and lessons about friendship, courage and creativity.

Meanwhile, as Media I.M. prepares to celebrate 10 years of representing the indefatigable Sunny Bunnies, the hit pre-school brand — now in its ninth season and counting — continues to sell around the world. In the run-up to MIPCOM, deals have been signed with Viaplay for latest seasons five to eight for Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland; Animeta (seasons one to six) for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; Sensical US (seasons one and two); PRO TV Romania (seasons one to six); Nelonen Finland (seasons five and six); and BabyFirst (seasons five and six) for the US and Latin America. In addition, Spacetoons has acquired the L&M and events rights for MENA, with a view to producing Sunny Bunnies meet-and-greets and stage shows.

Launched in 2015 on YouTube, Sunny Bunnies is now airing in more than 160 countries, supported by L&M strategy in some key categories such as toys and publishing. Season nine was released on YouTube in December 2024 is proving to be one of the brand’s strongest performers yet, generating nearly 12 million views and more than two million hours of watch time since launch.

Central to the success of season nine is Mimi, a new character in the Sunny Bunnies universe. A small green frog with a wide cheerful smile, Mimi is the Bunnies’ super-mischievous, super-cute pet — and she has quickly become a fan favourite. Episodes and compilations featuring Mimi have consistently ranked among the season’s most popular, as children around the world respond to her playful personality and kind, caring nature.

Irina Nazarenko, co-founder of Media I.M, said:

At their heart, both Tatty and Misifu and Sunny Bunnies deliver simple, joyful fun. They blend vibrant animation with heartwarming antics that spark the imagination while teaching important life lessons — and, as these sales demonstrate, that’s a formula that never grows old, either with kids or grown-up buyers.

At MIPCOM, Media I.M. will also be showcasing its latest acquisition: the 3D animated series Zola and Friends, co-produced by New Delhi-based Wordsword Creations and Ontario-based Double Dot Studios. The 25 x 11 mins series, written by Nigerian screenwriter Omotunde Akiode and directed by Ghanian animation director Francis Y Brown, is set in Tanzania’s Serengeti nature reserve. Targeted at three- to six-year-olds, the action centres on a loveable white rhino called Zola, who lives in a treehouse with her chums Mosi the monkey, Kito the lizard and Shani the snake.

The post Media I.M. closes deals for ‘Sunny Bunnies’ and ‘Tatty and Misifu’ appeared first on Skwigly Animation Magazine.

Stan & Gran (Banijay Kids & Family)

Co-produced by Tiger Aspect Kids & Family (part of Banijay Kids & Family), Jollywise, and Xentrix Studios, the CG-animated series is distributed by Banijay Kids & Family Distribution. It follows the mystery-busting adventures of Stan Breakwater, a curious and excitable young nature lover, and his fun-loving, dynamic Gran, as they investigate the strange goings-on in the fictional British coastal village of Porthole. Blending humour and intrigue with factual entertainment, Stan & Gran highlights themes of discovery, exploration, nature, science, and inter-generational relationships. Comedy legend, Alison Steadman (Life Is Sweet, Secrets And Lies, Here we Go, Gavin & Stacey), will star as the curmudgeonly shopkeeper Grumblestunk, who often adds a dash of mischief to each mystery. She stars alongside Charlie Oscar and Julie-Ann Dean, who respectively voice the investigating titular characters, Stan and Gran.

I’ve had a lifelong passion for wildlife, I can spend hours watching the birds in my garden. So, when Stan & Gran came along, I just fell in love with Porthole and the funny and relatable characters – especially Grumblestunk and her somewhat nefarious ways! The show’s all about being outside and celebrating nature, what’s not to love about that!

-Alison Steadman, OBE

It is such an honour to be working with the very talented Alison Steadman to bring Stan & Gran to life with her unique blend of fun and energy that perfectly captures the character of Grumblestunk. It’s a brilliant performance that is sure to captivate our Milkshake! audience and we simply can’t wait to share it with them!

-Louise Bucknole (SVP, Kids & Family UK & Ireland, Paramount)

I’ve long admired Alison Steadman’s talent, from her standout role as Candice Marie in Nuts in May to iconic characters like Beverly in Abigail’s Party and Pam in Gavin & Stacey. When casting for the show, Alison was at the top of our wish list and we were thrilled when she accepted the role of village bad-girl, Grumblestunk. Watching her inhabit the role with such gusto has had us in stitches during voice recordings – she delivers pure magic.

-Jon Mason (Series Creator/Founder, Jollywise)

The 52 x 11’ series, created by Jon Mason, is written by Howard Read (Danger Mouse, Horrible Histories, Deep in the Bowl), produced by Peter Griffiths (LEGO: Nexus Knights, Rosie’s Rules, The Ocean Calls), and directed by Simone Giampaolo (Only a Child, Bad Dinosaurs, The Legends Family Adventure, Obki the Eco Alien). Natalie Adams and Jon Mason serve as Executive Producers.

Stan & Gran is set to launch on Milkshake! 10^th November and on Nick Jr. UK in 2026

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